Page 17

That’s the only reasonable thing I can think of.
Still, I feel uneasy. I finally stand up from the sofa, all of my nerves frazzled, as I make my way towards my front door. I test the handle, and let out a deep sigh of relief when I find that the door is still locked.
I check all the rooms in this place, and although my flat isn’tthatbig, every small step feels like a massive journey now.
I can’t find anything in any of these rooms.
Nothing in my kitchen.
Nothing in my bedroom.
Nothing in my hallway.
There’s absolutelynothing.
Shaking my head, I rub at the tension in the back of my neck.
“You’re being ridiculous.” I mutter to myself. “Completely and utterly ridiculous.”
Just as I’m about to head back to my living room, I hear it again.
Another thud.
This one is louder.
My chest feels tight as I gasp, turning around, noticing the way the curtains are fluttering with the window cracked open, exactly how I left it. Wind blows through, chilling me to my core. I step closer to the window, peering out cautiously.
Nothing.
Closing it, I rub a hand over my face, forcing myself to breathe.
But I can’t.
And my chest feels tighter than ever now.
I head back to the living room, hearing the shower still running as I sink into the sofa, clutching my phone in my hand as I desperately hope my brother will reply to my message. If hedoes, I’ll have an excuse to call him, and I’ll make something up so he can come over.
Dario will take care of this; I know he will.
Suddenly, Tamana steps into the room, and I just about stop myself from screaming bloody murder when I spot her standing at the front of the flat in only a towel.
“That shower was great!” She says, flashing me a grin. When she sees the look on my face, her face drops. “What’s up? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
I force a smile as I shake my head at her.
“No ghosts, Mana. I’m just tired.”
Though she does raise an eyebrow at me, she doesn’t press me for anything else.
She turns around as she heads on towards my bedroom to change, and I tell her to give me a shout once she’s ready to sleep.
As the flat becomes quiet again, I can’t help but look back at the window, feeling my stomach tighten with nerves.
Something feels wrong—I just don’t know what.
Releasing a shaky breath, I try to push the unease away, but the tension in my chest only seems to grow. I try to shake it off, try to convince myself that it’s nothing, but I can’t.
Something. Is. Wrong.